What do you think?
Rate this book
Coasting
What happens when you need something but don’t know what it is? Why not look in a place you never heard of? Out and proud elementary school teacher Cal Hamilton thought he was happy in Philadelphia, but after a breakup, he steps back to reassess his life and discovers something is missing. He gets in his car and drives south with no idea what he hopes to find. The flip of a coin leads him to a small town in Mississippi—practically a different world from the city where he grew up. Police officer Billy Labarre keeps his sexuality mostly to himself, but he knows just what he needs to fill the hole in his quiet small-town the right man. Unfortunately attitudes toward gay men still leave a lot to be desired in the rural South, and it’s hard to meet someone. It’s not likely his perfect match is just going to show up out of the blue…. States of Stories of romance that span every corner of the United States.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2017
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 31, 2017
THREE HEARTS--New author Yvonne Trent's Coasting is a sweet contemporary novella that features a Philadelphian teacher Cal Hamilton and Mississippian police officer Billy Labarre. Since his summer is free, Cal goes on a road trip of sorts after recently breaking up with his boyfriend of five years. He travels down south and goes where his gut tells him... after a flip of a coin.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi is where he ultimately lands. The small town is booming with tourists and there is no room at any local hotels. Officer Billy offers a room at his empty house to crash at. Though Cal doesn't know he's met the officer of the law at the time, he accepts the stranger's kind offer.
Thus begins the start of a very tame and easy relationship. Within 48 hours, the two make permanent decisions and have off page sex. The relationship forms within the first 33% and nothing else happens but repeating that Cal will stay in Mississippi.
The story is nice. There is no angst, no major plot. The story coasts with a sugary ease and not much else. There are readers for this type of read. Not faulting them or this story. I felt it could have easily be finished within 20 pages. A lot of filler about eating, touring the Mississippi bayou and simple sugary sweetness.
The most developed character: Mississippi.
We get to learn the bayou, the food and the culture in the small town. The reader gets to go along as Billy plays tour guide to Cal around his hometown. You get to read his love for his state through and through. *shrugs*
Since the relationship fell into insta-love category, there wasn't much else to help any growth to either main character. The same feelings that they share after a few days continue when the story time jumps months later. Billy is out to those who are close to him but keeps PDA non existent due to where he lives. Cal doesn't mind.
The writing isn't bad. It's nice.
Just like the characters. Nice.
A city guy just ups and stays in a stranger's house without worrying about the possibilities? Nice, I guess for him. As a city girl, I just don't get it. Or the fact five years of a past relationship doesn't get explored for any semblance of depth for the character or snapshot of where Cal's head is at that he could just so easily jump into bed with another man. It's nice not to have to worry about those things.
Nice is there to keep everything even keeled. Nothing and no one rocks the boat or brings any interest to the story. There is a market for nice, non-explicit, no angst sugar. Readers who enjoy that...nice will wallow in Coasting.
Nice, nice, nice.
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.
A copy provided for an honest review.
Ocean Springs, Mississippi is where he ultimately lands. The small town is booming with tourists and there is no room at any local hotels. Officer Billy offers a room at his empty house to crash at. Though Cal doesn't know he's met the officer of the law at the time, he accepts the stranger's kind offer.
Thus begins the start of a very tame and easy relationship. Within 48 hours, the two make permanent decisions and have off page sex. The relationship forms within the first 33% and nothing else happens but repeating that Cal will stay in Mississippi.
The story is nice. There is no angst, no major plot. The story coasts with a sugary ease and not much else. There are readers for this type of read. Not faulting them or this story. I felt it could have easily be finished within 20 pages. A lot of filler about eating, touring the Mississippi bayou and simple sugary sweetness.
The most developed character: Mississippi.
We get to learn the bayou, the food and the culture in the small town. The reader gets to go along as Billy plays tour guide to Cal around his hometown. You get to read his love for his state through and through. *shrugs*
Since the relationship fell into insta-love category, there wasn't much else to help any growth to either main character. The same feelings that they share after a few days continue when the story time jumps months later. Billy is out to those who are close to him but keeps PDA non existent due to where he lives. Cal doesn't mind.
The writing isn't bad. It's nice.
Just like the characters. Nice.
A city guy just ups and stays in a stranger's house without worrying about the possibilities? Nice, I guess for him. As a city girl, I just don't get it. Or the fact five years of a past relationship doesn't get explored for any semblance of depth for the character or snapshot of where Cal's head is at that he could just so easily jump into bed with another man. It's nice not to have to worry about those things.
Nice is there to keep everything even keeled. Nothing and no one rocks the boat or brings any interest to the story. There is a market for nice, non-explicit, no angst sugar. Readers who enjoy that...nice will wallow in Coasting.
Nice, nice, nice.
Niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.
A copy provided for an honest review.
August 23, 2017
Hmmm … I would say this story from new-to-me author, Yvonne Trent, has the usual problem of being a novella. As in the relationship moves way too fast for my liking.
Based on the book blurb, I was expecting strong tension and conflict coming from the fact that police officer Billy Labarre keeps his sexuality to himself in a small town located in the rural South. I did not get that impression at all, though. It seemed that Billy’s colleagues knew about his sexuality and there was no feeling of homophobic situations. In fact, it seemed like everything went quite smoothly for Billy and Cal. A bit too smoothly than I expected.
Having said that, I loved the description that the author provided for the town. It is one of the reasons that I like reading the States of Love series. I love getting glimpses of other places from various states in the US. So I can feel like I’m being transported there even for a mere hour or hour and a half.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
Based on the book blurb, I was expecting strong tension and conflict coming from the fact that police officer Billy Labarre keeps his sexuality to himself in a small town located in the rural South. I did not get that impression at all, though. It seemed that Billy’s colleagues knew about his sexuality and there was no feeling of homophobic situations. In fact, it seemed like everything went quite smoothly for Billy and Cal. A bit too smoothly than I expected.
Having said that, I loved the description that the author provided for the town. It is one of the reasons that I like reading the States of Love series. I love getting glimpses of other places from various states in the US. So I can feel like I’m being transported there even for a mere hour or hour and a half.
A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls
The ARC is provided by the publisher for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
January 28, 2018
A new beginning can be not only tough to define, but tough to actually find. Cal knows only that he needs a change after his five-year relationship sizzles out without much fanfare. Since Cal has no idea what that change means, he decides to go on a road trip for the summer. When he ends up in a small town in Mississippi, he has no idea what to expect, but police officer Billy was probably not it. What follows is not just a delightful if unexpected romance, but a wonderful impression of what rural Mississippi is like. The colorful descriptions of local nature and lots of fascinating food certainly made me want to go back to see the parts of the state I missed on my first visit many, many years ago.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
August 22, 2017
After the no-drama break-up of a five year relationship, school teacher Cal takes a summer road trip and by flipping a coin, decides to head west ending up in Ocean Springs, Mississippi on the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The author does a nice job of giving us the feel of a laid-back Mississippi beach community - fried shrimp and cornbread, Miller Lite, shrimp po'boys, Fourth of July cookouts, fishing on the bayou, etc. Cal gets a firsthand dose of Southern hospitality as Sergeant Billy Labarre lets Cal stay with him in his spare room since all the hotels are booked up, and then offers to be his tourguide.
The two men quickly fall in love (FYI - there is very little on-page sex, i.e. - As it turned out, Billy didn’t want it slow, and Cal obliged. Afterward they lay side by side, trying to breathe.) and their relationship is as angst-free as their quiet evenings sitting in Cal's screened-in wooden porch. Coasting is a sweet story - as sweet as Southern iced tea - with a satisfying low-drama HEA and I give it 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
The two men quickly fall in love (FYI - there is very little on-page sex, i.e. - As it turned out, Billy didn’t want it slow, and Cal obliged. Afterward they lay side by side, trying to breathe.) and their relationship is as angst-free as their quiet evenings sitting in Cal's screened-in wooden porch. Coasting is a sweet story - as sweet as Southern iced tea - with a satisfying low-drama HEA and I give it 3.5 stars.
I received an ARC from Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Review also posted at Gay Book Reviews - check it out!
November 9, 2025
2.75 stars
Not bad, but not really great either. It would've been much longer but every love scene was "fade to black" with one leading sentence. This really felt like an M/F romance with a hesitancy to hold hands in public. Sweet but pretty superficial.
Not bad, but not really great either. It would've been much longer but every love scene was "fade to black" with one leading sentence. This really felt like an M/F romance with a hesitancy to hold hands in public. Sweet but pretty superficial.
August 25, 2017
~ 3.5 Stars ~
I’m pretty sure you guys know by now that I’m a fan of Dreamspinner’s States of Love series, and Yvonne Trent’s new novella, Coasting, is another solid example of why. There were a few little things that weren’t perfect, but overall it was an enjoyable, entertaining read. I can certainly think of worse ways to pass the time than reading about two sweet guys falling in love! Even insta-love, which is definitely the case here. Heh.
Coasting takes us to one of the places I most love to visit in the U.S., the Deep South. The book takes place in the town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, a small town near Biloxi. I lived in Louisiana for four years when I was younger, and traveled all over the south. And, I remember loving the gulf coast of Mississippi. So beautiful and rich with culture and colorful people. And, the food. So much amazing food. In the story, Cal ends up in Ocean Springs on a coin flip, and decides that the town’s name sounds nice and peaceful, which is exactly what he’s looking for on his summer road trip.
I really liked Cal. Most of us know what it’s like to need a fresh start at some point in our lives, and that’s exactly where Cal is. Looking for an adventure after ending his five-year relationship, he packs up his car, leaves Philly in the rearview mirror, and heads south. Cal was a sweetheart. I loved that he was an elementary school teacher, and that he came from a fairly large family that he’s close to. The fact that he’s easygoing and good with kids and having lots of family around comes in handy when he meets and quickly starts to fall for local, Billy Labarre.
As much as Cal was a sweetheart, Billy was perhaps an even bigger one. Born and raised in Ocean Springs, he oozed southern charm. Combine that with his good looks, and poor Cal never stood a chance. I did like these two together a lot, but it took me a while to get there. Because things happened so quickly between them, the connection felt a bit forced in the beginning. That being said, though, Billy was so swoony, he soon had me completely rooting for them. I loved this line:
And, I liked that it addressed how quickly things happened between these guys. The author didn’t try to skirt around the fact that this was a total insta-love story. It was acknowledged more than once. Which, even if it’s not always my thing, I respect the way this one was handled. I also liked the lack of on-page sex, to be honest. I know some people will probably complain about that fact—to each their own, I guess—but the book I read prior to this one had so much sex in it that I found the fade-to-black scenes to be sort of refreshing.
This story was very, very sweet, maybe at times a liiiiiittle too sweet, but if that’s what you’re in the mood for, it’s well written, the guys are lovely, and the locale is fun and vibrant. Like I said, there are definitely worse ways to spend an afternoon. 😉 I think most readers will also really enjoy Cal and Billy’s story.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
I’m pretty sure you guys know by now that I’m a fan of Dreamspinner’s States of Love series, and Yvonne Trent’s new novella, Coasting, is another solid example of why. There were a few little things that weren’t perfect, but overall it was an enjoyable, entertaining read. I can certainly think of worse ways to pass the time than reading about two sweet guys falling in love! Even insta-love, which is definitely the case here. Heh.
Coasting takes us to one of the places I most love to visit in the U.S., the Deep South. The book takes place in the town of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, a small town near Biloxi. I lived in Louisiana for four years when I was younger, and traveled all over the south. And, I remember loving the gulf coast of Mississippi. So beautiful and rich with culture and colorful people. And, the food. So much amazing food. In the story, Cal ends up in Ocean Springs on a coin flip, and decides that the town’s name sounds nice and peaceful, which is exactly what he’s looking for on his summer road trip.
I really liked Cal. Most of us know what it’s like to need a fresh start at some point in our lives, and that’s exactly where Cal is. Looking for an adventure after ending his five-year relationship, he packs up his car, leaves Philly in the rearview mirror, and heads south. Cal was a sweetheart. I loved that he was an elementary school teacher, and that he came from a fairly large family that he’s close to. The fact that he’s easygoing and good with kids and having lots of family around comes in handy when he meets and quickly starts to fall for local, Billy Labarre.
As much as Cal was a sweetheart, Billy was perhaps an even bigger one. Born and raised in Ocean Springs, he oozed southern charm. Combine that with his good looks, and poor Cal never stood a chance. I did like these two together a lot, but it took me a while to get there. Because things happened so quickly between them, the connection felt a bit forced in the beginning. That being said, though, Billy was so swoony, he soon had me completely rooting for them. I loved this line:
“…Even though it’s only been”—he looked at the clock on the wall—“eighteen hours and fourteen minutes since I first saw you eating that po’boy at the Bay Coast. I kinda like having you around.”
And, I liked that it addressed how quickly things happened between these guys. The author didn’t try to skirt around the fact that this was a total insta-love story. It was acknowledged more than once. Which, even if it’s not always my thing, I respect the way this one was handled. I also liked the lack of on-page sex, to be honest. I know some people will probably complain about that fact—to each their own, I guess—but the book I read prior to this one had so much sex in it that I found the fade-to-black scenes to be sort of refreshing.
This story was very, very sweet, maybe at times a liiiiiittle too sweet, but if that’s what you’re in the mood for, it’s well written, the guys are lovely, and the locale is fun and vibrant. Like I said, there are definitely worse ways to spend an afternoon. 😉 I think most readers will also really enjoy Cal and Billy’s story.
Reviewed by Jules for The Novel Approach
October 18, 2017
This author has done a good job at writing the ultimate love story. This story is set in a small town in Mississippi where everyone knows everyone, and I could really feel this in the story. This author really focused on the process of falling in love and letting me really getting to know the characters. There is no angst or drama, just genuine love.
Cal is a teacher in Philadelphia and has recently ended a five-year relationship. He has decided to leave town and start a new life. He doesn’t know where he will end up but the flip of a coin sets his direction, and he ends up in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Of course, when he gets there and there are no hotels available. When he’s ready to move to the next town, he runs into the cop.
Billy is a police officer that loves his small town and loves keeping it safe. Not that there are ever any problems, but he loves it all the same. Then he runs into Cal and instantly feels connected to him. They begin talking, and Billy has this need to offer Cal a room to rent at his place and doesn’t think twice about it.
They start dating and start having butterflies dance in their bellies. They fall in love pretty much instantly. As this story does let you think this could happen, this is where some of my doubts come in. I had a hard time believing someone would have a stranger move right into their house and falling in love, but stranger things have happened. This story is a great ooshy gooshy love story with great family connections, as well as good friends. So, if you are looking for a low angst mushy kind of book, look no further. You have found it.
Cal is a teacher in Philadelphia and has recently ended a five-year relationship. He has decided to leave town and start a new life. He doesn’t know where he will end up but the flip of a coin sets his direction, and he ends up in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Of course, when he gets there and there are no hotels available. When he’s ready to move to the next town, he runs into the cop.
Billy is a police officer that loves his small town and loves keeping it safe. Not that there are ever any problems, but he loves it all the same. Then he runs into Cal and instantly feels connected to him. They begin talking, and Billy has this need to offer Cal a room to rent at his place and doesn’t think twice about it.
They start dating and start having butterflies dance in their bellies. They fall in love pretty much instantly. As this story does let you think this could happen, this is where some of my doubts come in. I had a hard time believing someone would have a stranger move right into their house and falling in love, but stranger things have happened. This story is a great ooshy gooshy love story with great family connections, as well as good friends. So, if you are looking for a low angst mushy kind of book, look no further. You have found it.
August 23, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Yvonne Trent's Coasting is a novella in the Dreamspinner Press' States of Love series. Philadelphia teacher Cal has decided to travel once school lets out for the year. While on the phone with his mom, he lets a coin flip determine the direction he's going to drive and ends up in a small, tourist town in Mississippi. He likes the look of town but because it's tourist season, he's unable to get a room, so after a dinner and some exploring, he plans to leave town. All of that changes when he bumps into Billy, who offers to let him stay in a spare room and give him a tour of the town. The men enjoy their time together and it doesn't take long for them to start wanting more. Both Cal and Billy were likable characters. They loved their families, had great friends, loved their jobs and were ready to have a partner for their future. It was nice to read a story of two men meeting, dating and falling in love.
Novellas are hard but I think the author did a great job with this story. I liked that she just allowed this to be a sweet, instalove story with no drama or angst to the mix. This story was focused on two men getting to know each other, spending time together and deciding how to have a future together. It was a whirlwind love story, all squeezed into 112 pages! Though I've never had an interest in going to Mississippi, the author did a great job describing the town and making it sound like a great place to vacation and explore. This is one of my favorite things about the States of Love stories, it allows you to see the beauty of areas you may not be familiar with.
Rating: 4 stars
Yvonne Trent's Coasting is a novella in the Dreamspinner Press' States of Love series. Philadelphia teacher Cal has decided to travel once school lets out for the year. While on the phone with his mom, he lets a coin flip determine the direction he's going to drive and ends up in a small, tourist town in Mississippi. He likes the look of town but because it's tourist season, he's unable to get a room, so after a dinner and some exploring, he plans to leave town. All of that changes when he bumps into Billy, who offers to let him stay in a spare room and give him a tour of the town. The men enjoy their time together and it doesn't take long for them to start wanting more. Both Cal and Billy were likable characters. They loved their families, had great friends, loved their jobs and were ready to have a partner for their future. It was nice to read a story of two men meeting, dating and falling in love.
Novellas are hard but I think the author did a great job with this story. I liked that she just allowed this to be a sweet, instalove story with no drama or angst to the mix. This story was focused on two men getting to know each other, spending time together and deciding how to have a future together. It was a whirlwind love story, all squeezed into 112 pages! Though I've never had an interest in going to Mississippi, the author did a great job describing the town and making it sound like a great place to vacation and explore. This is one of my favorite things about the States of Love stories, it allows you to see the beauty of areas you may not be familiar with.
Rating: 4 stars
September 2, 2017
Book & Author: Coasting by Yvonne Trent
Rating: 4 stars
Another sweet read for the States of Love stories!
One of my favorite parts of these stories is visiting places that I’ve never been or revisiting places I have through someone else’s eyes. This one was no different. The descriptions of the beach and the small town was fantastic and beautiful. Is it a novella so like any of them I wish for a more in depth story although nothing important is technically missing.
Billy and Cal had some chemistry but the story was low on heat and mostly fade to black. Their connection was easy to see with a warm base of friendship and love. It was a quick easy read that had you falling in love as they did and hoping they’d find their HEA.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
Rating: 4 stars
Another sweet read for the States of Love stories!
One of my favorite parts of these stories is visiting places that I’ve never been or revisiting places I have through someone else’s eyes. This one was no different. The descriptions of the beach and the small town was fantastic and beautiful. Is it a novella so like any of them I wish for a more in depth story although nothing important is technically missing.
Billy and Cal had some chemistry but the story was low on heat and mostly fade to black. Their connection was easy to see with a warm base of friendship and love. It was a quick easy read that had you falling in love as they did and hoping they’d find their HEA.
*I received a copy of this book through http://diversereader.blogspot.com/*
December 2, 2018
Gentle, easy to read insta attraction story.
As far as reality goes, who knows maybe it could happen but Cal is very trusting when he meets Billy, relying on his flutter inside rather than common sense.
Other than that it is a nice easy getting to know you story, lots of loving feelings, no angst and happy southern families.
As far as reality goes, who knows maybe it could happen but Cal is very trusting when he meets Billy, relying on his flutter inside rather than common sense.
Other than that it is a nice easy getting to know you story, lots of loving feelings, no angst and happy southern families.
November 5, 2017
** 3.75 Stars **
It's a well written, sweet and feel-good story with a strong sense of place. I really enjoyed Cal & Billy, they are very likable characters. My only complaint? I just wish it was longer!
It's a well written, sweet and feel-good story with a strong sense of place. I really enjoyed Cal & Billy, they are very likable characters. My only complaint? I just wish it was longer!
August 22, 2017
3.5 Cal and Billy are very sweet. Full review coming to www.thenovelapproachreviews.com
June 4, 2018
Moved a little fast for me, but the chemistry was there. Cal's been there barely 2 weeks and starts job-hunting.
March 11, 2020
2.5 Stars
Just OK. Sorta meh.
Just OK. Sorta meh.
August 30, 2017
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review An Alisa Review:
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
This was a nice story. Cal is trying to get his head on straight after a breakup and follows his gut on a road trip. His coin flip leads him west towards Mississippi from Florida and he can’t ignore his gut feeling to pull off in Ocean Springs. He’s lucky to run into Billy that evening as he has been unable to find a place to stay and Billy opens his home to him.
Billy and Cal immediately hit it off and are perfect example of when it feels right you don’t question it. Both of these characters are very open about their feeling to each other so there is no second guessing what they want. Though Billy was living half in the closet when the story began and the author doesn’t go into it but I would think he can’t really be doing that anymore once Cal is living with him and has a job in the local school. I enjoyed this story however felt as though there was something missing and some of the breaking points in the story seemed very abrupt.
Cover art by Brooke Albrecht is absolutely beautiful and I love it.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
This was a nice story. Cal is trying to get his head on straight after a breakup and follows his gut on a road trip. His coin flip leads him west towards Mississippi from Florida and he can’t ignore his gut feeling to pull off in Ocean Springs. He’s lucky to run into Billy that evening as he has been unable to find a place to stay and Billy opens his home to him.
Billy and Cal immediately hit it off and are perfect example of when it feels right you don’t question it. Both of these characters are very open about their feeling to each other so there is no second guessing what they want. Though Billy was living half in the closet when the story began and the author doesn’t go into it but I would think he can’t really be doing that anymore once Cal is living with him and has a job in the local school. I enjoyed this story however felt as though there was something missing and some of the breaking points in the story seemed very abrupt.
Cover art by Brooke Albrecht is absolutely beautiful and I love it.
August 10, 2017
Dessert in a Book
This story is sweet and refreshing. Sweet, because it is a beautiful love story. Refreshing, because it is simply a love story. No drama, no angst, no betrayal, and no hot sex. Once in awhile you need a story that is not explicit and that is simply an enjoyable read, and this book fits the bill.
Cal is on a journey of escape. He's escaping his broken relationship, he's on vacation from his teaching job, and he just wants to escape his life for a little while. He drives south until he finds this little town that he just has a really good feeling about. Since it's summer, there is no room in any hotel. He bumps into a police officer and they instantly click, so the police officer offers a room that he has available in his house. Now you know this is fiction cuz that doesn't happen in real life, but this is when the story pulls out the bowl of sugar. The story just gets sweeter and sweeter from here on out. Dig out the frosting and frost that cake.
This book is about teacher Cal and police officer Billy. The growing loving relationship is the focus, so the sex is not important. It's out. I didn't miss it though. The story was so wonderful and I loved reading about how they grew closer and closer. You really don't miss it.
The story keeps you in suspense wondering if Cal is going to stay with Billy or if he's going to go home to Philadelphia. That was a good gripping suspenseful question that the author strings you along with.
The ending is great and ties everything up. I won't tell you about it cuz you need to read it for yourself.
I do highly recommend this book. It is a relaxing read when you just want a good story without drama or anything that I mentioned in my first paragraph. If you are okay with no sex then you got to get this book. If you must have sex, move on and look for another book.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review by Gay Book Reviews
This story is sweet and refreshing. Sweet, because it is a beautiful love story. Refreshing, because it is simply a love story. No drama, no angst, no betrayal, and no hot sex. Once in awhile you need a story that is not explicit and that is simply an enjoyable read, and this book fits the bill.
Cal is on a journey of escape. He's escaping his broken relationship, he's on vacation from his teaching job, and he just wants to escape his life for a little while. He drives south until he finds this little town that he just has a really good feeling about. Since it's summer, there is no room in any hotel. He bumps into a police officer and they instantly click, so the police officer offers a room that he has available in his house. Now you know this is fiction cuz that doesn't happen in real life, but this is when the story pulls out the bowl of sugar. The story just gets sweeter and sweeter from here on out. Dig out the frosting and frost that cake.
This book is about teacher Cal and police officer Billy. The growing loving relationship is the focus, so the sex is not important. It's out. I didn't miss it though. The story was so wonderful and I loved reading about how they grew closer and closer. You really don't miss it.
The story keeps you in suspense wondering if Cal is going to stay with Billy or if he's going to go home to Philadelphia. That was a good gripping suspenseful question that the author strings you along with.
The ending is great and ties everything up. I won't tell you about it cuz you need to read it for yourself.
I do highly recommend this book. It is a relaxing read when you just want a good story without drama or anything that I mentioned in my first paragraph. If you are okay with no sex then you got to get this book. If you must have sex, move on and look for another book.
I received this book in exchange for my honest review by Gay Book Reviews
August 21, 2017
3.5 Stars
The States of Love books strike again! In Coasting we meet Cal and Billy. Some super sweet insta-love ensues. Low angst.
The beautiful state of Missisippi shines in this novella. As Billy shows Cal all of his beloved places in his home state the reader goes along for the ride.
The heat level is low, lots of fade to black. Yet the connection is there and I spent most of the book rooting for these two.
So why not higher rated? One of the things, being from the South, that I can't stand is the broken country English twang that is affected in the stories. Why make the townspeople sound less intelligent? Billy sounded off at times as well.
The storyline was also glossed over at times. Chunks of time explained with a sentence. Quite a few repetitive phrases and situations.
Overall a very sweet story that has restored my love of the series.
The States of Love books strike again! In Coasting we meet Cal and Billy. Some super sweet insta-love ensues. Low angst.
The beautiful state of Missisippi shines in this novella. As Billy shows Cal all of his beloved places in his home state the reader goes along for the ride.
The heat level is low, lots of fade to black. Yet the connection is there and I spent most of the book rooting for these two.
So why not higher rated? One of the things, being from the South, that I can't stand is the broken country English twang that is affected in the stories. Why make the townspeople sound less intelligent? Billy sounded off at times as well.
The storyline was also glossed over at times. Chunks of time explained with a sentence. Quite a few repetitive phrases and situations.
Overall a very sweet story that has restored my love of the series.
August 23, 2017
3 Coastal Stars
We meet Cal as he’s on a spontaneous road trip without a destination in mind, following the break-up with his boyfriend of five years. He finds himself in Florida, and flipping a coin at the urge of his mom, as to where to head next. Alas, he lands in Mississippi… and follows the butterflies in his stomach and a “feeling” that something is going to go really right. While in a coastal town in Mississippi, he runs into Billy and is mesmerized. From there, the two are inseparable and in love.
Overall, this was a decent quick read – especially for this series, I love the different locations, but it had a few road bumps for me. First, he keeps having these “feelings” of things about to go right – I don’t know, it felt unnecessary and not real – having it a few times. I mean once, I get – but when it happens a few times, it reads like a ploy to fit the plot together. Second, the characters just weren’t that developed. They were fine, kind, nice, etc. – but they don’t really have any depth or back-story. I mean Cal just broke up with someone after five years and he didn’t really care… or it was underplayed throughout. And finally, holy insta EVERYTHING batman. They meet and instantly have a connection… then they are instantly in love… and then they both have big life changes instantly. In other words, things were just boom – together!
I did enjoy the book – I liked the family dynamics for Cal and there were moments between the characters that I ahhhed over, but it just felt as though this one needed a bit more time to develop. This is a good read for anyone who likes ocean-settings and insta-love.
Review Copy of Coasting provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club
We meet Cal as he’s on a spontaneous road trip without a destination in mind, following the break-up with his boyfriend of five years. He finds himself in Florida, and flipping a coin at the urge of his mom, as to where to head next. Alas, he lands in Mississippi… and follows the butterflies in his stomach and a “feeling” that something is going to go really right. While in a coastal town in Mississippi, he runs into Billy and is mesmerized. From there, the two are inseparable and in love.
Overall, this was a decent quick read – especially for this series, I love the different locations, but it had a few road bumps for me. First, he keeps having these “feelings” of things about to go right – I don’t know, it felt unnecessary and not real – having it a few times. I mean once, I get – but when it happens a few times, it reads like a ploy to fit the plot together. Second, the characters just weren’t that developed. They were fine, kind, nice, etc. – but they don’t really have any depth or back-story. I mean Cal just broke up with someone after five years and he didn’t really care… or it was underplayed throughout. And finally, holy insta EVERYTHING batman. They meet and instantly have a connection… then they are instantly in love… and then they both have big life changes instantly. In other words, things were just boom – together!
I did enjoy the book – I liked the family dynamics for Cal and there were moments between the characters that I ahhhed over, but it just felt as though this one needed a bit more time to develop. This is a good read for anyone who likes ocean-settings and insta-love.
Review Copy of Coasting provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews